Time Lapse Footage of Drosera Capensis Eating Flies

Occurred on June 5, 2015 / Dohr, Germany

Info from Licensor: "I am Lothar Lenz, a nature photographer with heart and soul, and I am lucky enough to live in a small cul-de-sac village in the Eifel - surrounded by fields, forests and stream valleys, just a stone's throw from the Moselle valley. Here I can experience nature in all its diversity and observe some of the most fascinating animals right on my doorstep: Black storks, wildcats and eagle owls are my permanent neighbors. In summer, my garden is full of hornets and wasps, which I capture with my camera, whether in impressive close-ups or exciting video sequences. This closeness to nature inspires me every day and drives me to capture the beauty and uniqueness of our environment in my photographs. My desire is to inspire and motivate others to get involved in protecting this wonderful world - be it in distant regions or right on their own doorstep.

At some point, I became aware of carnivorous plants and found them fascinating. There is a bog near us where the round-leaved sundew lives. I often observed it when I was young. Many of these plant species can also be bought in plant shops. This gave me the idea of looking at other species and capturing them in time-lapse shots.

The Drosera capensis, also known as the Cape sundew, is one of the most fascinating carnivorous plants, captivating observers with its extraordinary hunting methods. Its long, slender leaves are coated with glistening droplets of sticky secretion that attract insects like flies. These droplets shimmer in the light, resembling inviting dew but concealing a deadly trap.

The hunt begins when an insect lands on the sticky tentacles of the plant. These seemingly harmless droplets immediately ensnare the prey. As the fly struggles to escape, its movements increase its contact with the secretion, entangling it further in the trap. This mechanical stimulation activates the plant's tentacle movements, which slowly curl around the prey. In time-lapse footage, the tentacle-like hairs are seen closing in on the victim, a process that usually takes several hours. The plant's slow but precise movements appear like a choreographed sequence, showcasing the complexity of this natural trap.

Once the fly is securely enclosed, digestion begins. The plant's secretion contains enzymes that break down nutrients from the insect’s body. During this process, the droplets subtly change in appearance as the plant absorbs the usable substances. This phase takes several hours to days, depending on the size of the insect. In the end, only indigestible remnants, such as the chitinous exoskeleton, remain. The tentacles eventually return to their original position, ready for the next catch.
Time-lapse footage provides a unique perspective on this fascinating process. It reveals the slow movements of the Drosera capensis and highlights how the plant unfolds in its role as a hunter. The shimmering droplets that initially lure the insect transform into a tool for digestion, while the tentacle-like movements demonstrate the remarkable adaptability of this plant. The interplay of light, motion, and the contrast between the gleaming plant and the dark insect makes these scenes a striking example of nature's beauty and functionality."